i do like ford cars. i've owned a few of them over the years (e.g. escort, mondeo, cougar, focus).

but this is my first fiesta. bought it 3 months ago. reverse gear is driving me nuts. grinding. crunching. no synchro. wtf? have to wait a few seconds, go via first gear or double clutch it. can't understand why ford hasn't put a good gear box in when everything else about the new mk7 fiesta is great.

has anybody tried swapping the gear box for a good one? is it possible? i guess it's expensive to do but i'm considering whether this is a viable option.

I've never been in a car that has a syncro'd reverse gear. Every car I have ever driven if you even remotely still rolling forward when engaging it will crunch.

As for it not going in initially or grinding, I did speak to my local Ford dealer and they said its completely normal for the Fiesta. The tip they gave me was to hold the clutch down for about 3 seconds before engaging reverse

If you feel resistance or it hasn't gone all the way in, it will pop-out or grind when you lift the clutch. If the 3 secs thing doesnt work, then just lift the clutch and pop it back down and it will go straight in.

Like you I used to get so frustrated but having got used to it, I just get in the car and don't think about it now and I haven't had a single issue.

I had no problem at all with the manual box on my previous Mk 7. including reverse. Ok so I have an auto Mk 7 now but that is not the reason ! I did find the clutch a bit heavy - I assume because it was a diesel. Are diesel clutches heavier than petrol equvalent ?

I had no problem at all with the manual box on my previous Mk 7. including reverse. Ok so I have an auto Mk 7 now but that is not the reason ! I did find the clutch a bit heavy - I assume because it was a diesel. Are diesel clutches heavier than petrol equvalent ?

Technically the clutch plate and flywheel are heavier on a diesel to handle the torque and smooth out the engine Power but it shouldn't make any difference through the pedal as it's operated by hydraulics.

I think it just depends on how it's been designed, I like quite heavy controls as it gives you more feedback than something over servo'd.

I had no problem at all with the manual box on my previous Mk 7. including reverse. Ok so I have an auto Mk 7 now but that is not the reason ! I did find the clutch a bit heavy - I assume because it was a diesel. Are diesel clutches heavier than petrol equvalent ?

With the few 1.4's I've driven I can confirm they're the lightest clutches I've ever found in a car, the diesel is much heavier and in my opinion much nicer to use.

Ooh I also have this problem, feel like a typical woman driver when reversing into a space with people watching me because it takes me ages to get it into reverse. Normally I put it into another gear and then and then try again but I will be trying the tips above! Thankies